Royal Green Jackets PTSD Veteran Suicide in Jail

War veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder killed himself in his cell at HMP Liverpool
Liverpool Echo UK
Luke Traynor
December 20, 2017

John Duffey's mental health was made worse by bullying, drug use and debt, inquest told

A war veteran who suffered with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following tours in Northern Ireland hanged himself at Walton jail.

Bullying, debt and drug use at the jail worsened the conditions that led former army corporal John Duffey to take his own life almost 18 months ago, an inquest heard.

John Duffey's mental health was made worse by bullying, drug use and debt, inquest told

The 44-year-old, who had previously served with the Royal Green Jackets, was found in his cell on July 16, 2016, on HMP Liverpool’s J Wing.

Liverpool Coroner’s Court heard how dad-of-two Mr Duffey had made two attempts to kill himself in 2000 and 2011, and was discharged from the armed forces on medical grounds, 17 years ago.

Afterwards, Mr Duffey, from Wallasey, fell into a pattern of alcohol and drug abuse.

He was remanded into custody in 2015 for breaching his licence conditions, before he participated in an intensive six month scheme for “at-risk” prisoners.

The jury heard evidence that healthcare staff within the prison were not equipped to provide treatment for PTSD due to staff vacancies.
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